How to clean your phone and charging port safely

Before you start

• The phone is switched off and unplugged.
• The case is removed. Clean it separately.
• You have a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a lens or glasses cloth.
• You have a torch, to look inside the charging port.

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Steps

1. 1

   Wipe the screen and back

   Use a soft, lint-free cloth. If it needs more, dampen the cloth slightly with water. Never spray liquid directly onto the phone.

2. 2

   Disinfect the outer surfaces if you need to

   Apple says you can gently wipe the hard, outer surfaces of an iPhone with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or a 75% ethyl alcohol wipe. Avoid the openings, and don't use bleach. Check your phone manufacturer's advice for other phones.

3. 3

   Clean the case

   Most silicone and plastic cases can be washed with a little soapy water, rinsed and left to dry completely before you put the phone back in. Check the case maker's instructions for leather and fabric cases.

4. 4

   Check the charging port with a torch

   Pocket lint builds up over time and can stop the cable going all the way in.

5. 5

   Remove loose lint gently

   If you can see lint, a gentle puff of air from your mouth, or a soft, dry, clean brush, can lift loose dust. Don't push anything in hard.

Things to be careful about

• Don't use bleach, household cleaners, window cleaner, abrasive cloths or kitchen roll. They can strip the screen's coating or scratch it.

• Don't put the phone in water or under a tap, even if it's water-resistant.

• Never put metal objects, such as pins or paper clips, into the charging port. They can damage the contacts or cause a short.

• Don't use compressed air in the ports. It can push dirt further in.

If this happens, try this

• If the cable is loose or only charges at an angle

  Check the port for lint. If it's packed tight, ask a repairer to clean it rather than digging at it.

• If the screen still looks smeary

  Clean it with a dry lens cloth using small circles.

• If the phone still won't charge after cleaning

  Try a different cable and plug. If it still won't charge, the port may be damaged.